Winter is now well underway across much of Europe, and the snow conditions are ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. However, a ski holiday can still feel like a costly undertaking for many travellers, particularly families.
Unlike a beach holiday, where swimwear and flip-flops may suffice, ski trips require specialist clothing, lift passes, equipment hire, and often lessons too. Add baggage fees for travelling with your own gear, and the total cost can quickly rise beyond the price of flights and accommodation alone.
However, easyJet’s latest Cheap Ski Index suggests this need not be the case. Designed to help travellers tailor their winter break to their budget, the index comes as fresh snowfall across Europe puts ski getaways firmly back on the agenda, according to Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK general manager.
The UK-centric index assesses the best-value ski resorts reachable from the UK, using live pricing data from the 2024–25 and 2025/26 winter seasons. Each resort is ranked based on the combined cost of a one-day lift pass, one-day ski hire, one-night mid-range accommodation, airport transport, and even the price of a beer.
Doyle further explains that the index aims to highlight resorts where “equipment hire, hotels and hospitality offer fantastic value,” particularly for those willing to look beyond traditional Alpine favourites.
The top three may come as a surprise to travellers who are less familiar with Eastern European or Balkan ski destinations. Bulgaria dominates the ranking, taking first and third place, with Poland in second place.
First Place: Bansko, Bulgaria – the king of value, where beers sell for just £1 (€1.15). Located two hours from Sofia, the resort offers ski hire from around £15 (€17.30) a day and accommodation from approximately £45 (€52) per night.
Second Place: Białka Tatrzańska – a rising star situated around two hours south of Kraków. The resort is particularly well-suited to families and beginners, combining affordability with accessible terrain.
Third Place: Borovets, Bulgaria – the country’s oldest ski resort. With 58 kilometres of slopes and the option of night skiing, it remains a favourite with intermediate skiers seeking good value for money and keen to maximise their time on the slopes.
Although Eastern Europe leads on prices, classic destinations such as Italy, France, and Spain can still be affordable.
Italy remains the “best value for money’ option in Western Europe, with the fourth, sixth, and seventh spots. Set in the mid-range of the Alps, Bardonecchia and Sestriere hosted events during the 2006 Winter Olympics and offer Olympic-grade slopes without the “Olympic” price tag. In the high Alps, they promise atmosphere and an Olympic feel, with slopes that have hosted events.
Sauze d’Oulx is in sixth place and is part of Italy’s Via Lattea, renowned for its après-ski atmosphere fuelled by Aperol Spritz.
France ranks ninth and tenth with Les Deux Alpes, a long-time family favourite, and Morzine in the northern Alps. This proves that even the popular northern Alps can be accessible if you plan correctly and in advance.
Elsewhere, Pal Arinsal stands out as a gem in Andorra, ranking fifth. Easily reached from Barcelona or Toulouse, it appeals to skiers looking to swap fondue and Fendant for tapas-style après-ski following a day on its red runs, which are suited to confident intermediates.
Spain’s presence in eighth place with La Molina may surprise many, but it is an excellent spot for beginners and intermediates, offering a relaxed, sun-soaked environment.
